Harley Davidson just dropped information on 4 new motorcycles. This is part of their 50 in 5 program of introducing completely new products to their lineup. Well I am nothing like a “real” motorcycle journalist but here is my take. Make sure you watch the video at the top of the page introducing the new motorcycles.

New Engine???? Visually the powerplant on these new bikes do not look like the current motorcycle motors. I get the vibe that they maybe another, updated, versions of the V-Rod Revolution Engine. The adds state that he engines pictured are 1250cc engines which would fit into the range of the older Revolution. Also, they appear to be water cooled like the Revolution. Of course, they just might be cosmetic changes to the Revolution X from the “Street” line of motorcycles.

Now a few comments on the motorcycles themselves. Or at least my take on the photos.

The Pan America – The BIGGEST surprise is the group…. A Harley Davidson ADVENTURE bike! With a mono shock rear, 2 into 1 exhaust and what appears to be a good bit of front fork travel they are moving back into a market segment that they abandoned when Buell was dropped. This could be interesting. Coming in 2020.

The Live Wire – Looks a lot like the prototype Live Wire I got to ride a few years ago. Visually not a lot to go on here, maybe if I had more electric motorcycle knowledge I could see something but nope!

The Street Fighter – Coming in 2020 another new motorcycle market segment for Harley. By appearances and name this is going to compete with the “naked” and “street fighters” like the KTM Duke and Triumph Speed Triple. This is going to be a tough market for Harley to crack, I hope the bikes have the spec’s to run bar to bar with the competition.

The Custom – Looks a lot like a modern café racer motorcycle. That is about all I have for this one.

Back to the engine for a moment. Harley’s Street/Revolution X engine has not been able to compete with the Indian Scout motor on the Flat Track racing series. If you listen to DawgHouse Motorcycle Radio you know we lament the lack of competition from the Harley motorcycles. Could this be their answer to Indian’s dominance?

Now that we are past the glamor items….Harley has also stated the following items.

“Introducing a new modular 500cc to 1250cc middleweight platform of motorcycles that spans three distinct product spaces and four displacements,”

“Developing a more accessible, small-displacement (250cc to 500cc) motorcycle for Asia emerging markets through a planned strategic alliance with a manufacturer in Asia.”

“LiveWire will be followed by additional models through 2022 to broaden the portfolio with lighter, smaller and even more accessible product options to inspire new riders with new ways to ride.” More then one electric motorcycle!

“New retail formats — including smaller, urban storefronts globally to expose the brand to urban populations and drive sales of the expanded Harley-Davidson product portfolio and expand international apparel distribution.”